What to Do After Being in an Auto Accident
Everyone knows you are not supposed to apologize or say anything to indicate fault following an accident. However, merely avoiding self-incrimination isn’t enough to protect yourself in the aftermath of a serious collision. Some steps can be taken following the accident that may help you if any legal matters arise.
It is best practice to do the following if you are in a car accident of any kind:
- Stay at the scene of the accident: Don’t leave the scene, even if your accident was relatively minor. Always wait for members of law enforcement to arrive and complete an official police report. Police reports are often critical when filing an insurance claim or bringing a civil action against another driver. On top of that, leaving the scene of an accident can sometimes warrant criminal charges. Remember to stay where you are until law enforcement has diagnosed the scene.
- Get out of your car and speak to others involved: If you are in a dangerous or exposed location (such as the middle of an intersection or highway), you can protect yourself by turning on your emergency lights or by moving your vehicle to the shoulder. (If you move your vehicle, you may wish to snap pictures of the crash site before doing so.) After ensuring the coast is clear and it is safe to exit your vehicle, talk to the other drivers, pedestrians, and other parties involved and evaluate the scene, taking note of injuries, auto damage, etc. Also collect contact and insurance information from the other driver, as well as names and phone numbers for any potential witnesses. Information like this may become useful later if the situation isn’t being resolved smoothly by the insurance companies or other parties involved. Remember, if there is any question about whether you may be at fault, do not apologize or say anything to incriminate yourself.
- Seek medical attention and keep an ongoing log of damages: Even if your injuries are not immediately apparent, you must seek medical attention and be evaluated by a physician. Be advised that soft tissue injuries often take a while to manifest themselves, so it is best to continually self-evaluate in the weeks and months following your accident. Also, keep track of how much your injuries are costing you and the ways they are affecting your quality of life. This can prove vital for you if you are wishing to receive proper reimbursement or payment from the insurance company.
Damages Associated with Serious Car Accidents
If you sustained serious injuries and/or financial losses because of the negligence, recklessness, or inattention of another party, we may be able to help you fight for your personal well-being and demonstrate their liability for your damages. In doing so, we may be able to help you negotiate with the other driver and with the insurance companies involved to fully recover compensation for all of your injury-related costs, which may include:
- Hospital bills
- Rehabilitation
- Surgery
- Medications
- Permanent disability
- Ongoing treatment for disabilities
- Counseling and mental health services
- Lost wages due to time spent in recovery
- Lost inheritance for descendants
- Lost savings and retirement funds
Such costs can deplete your savings, plunge you into debt, and cause you to rack up thousands of dollars in medical expenses and financial losses. If another driver causes you severe physical and monetary harm, your best option may be to take legal action against them. By doing so, you can preserve your well-being and hold them accountable for the effects of their negligence.
Experienced Car Accident Attorneys Serving Drivers Throughout Nebraska
If you are facing payments from an auto accident that you believe you should not be responsible for, connect with a member of our team at Berry Law as soon as possible. Our team of injury attorneys handle a wide variety of car accident cases, including:
- 18-wheelers and tractor trailers
- Highway and interstate accidents
- Multiple-car pileups
- Head-on collisions
- Rollovers
- Motorcycles
- Drivers from other states or jurisdictions
- Drivers without insurance
- Drivers with insufficient insurance
- Pedestrians
- Bicyclists
- Severe injuries
- Death
Our Nebraska car accident lawyers are prepared to help you evaluate your case and determine whether you have a viable personal injury claim against the negligent driver who harmed you. Schedule your free consultation today to explore your options and allow us to provide you with the legal counsel you might need.
Call (402) 298-5417 today for assistance.
